City opens new emergency cooling shelter at Dryades YMCA

September 02, 2012

NEW ORLEANS, LA-- The City of New Orleans has opened an emergency cooling shelter at the Dryades YMCA in Central City, 2220 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, one of two shelters now open for residents affected by power outages after Hurricane Isaac.

A cooling shelter at Behrman Center in Algiers was closed Saturday due to an air conditioning problem. The City's other cooling shelter is located at the St. Bernard Recreation Center in Gentilly, at 1500 Lafreniere Street in Gentilly.

Space at the Dryades YMCA and St. Bernard Recreational Center are limited, so residents are asked to reserve space for those with the most critical needs, including the elderly, those with illnesses exacerbated by the heat, residents with children and residents with damage to their homes.

All persons should bring the following with them:

Bedding, to include air mattress, blankets, pillows;

Snacks;

Medications;

Toiletries;

Baby/ Children’s supplies;

Hygiene Items; and

Meals, if on a special diet.

NOTE: Drugs, Alcohol, Weapons, and Pets are not allowed in shelters.

Individuals who are electricity dependent or have medical needs and cannot care for themselves are asked to call 658-2500 to register for a separate medical special needs shelter in New Orleans.